CITY OF ANTIGO
FINANCE, PERSONNEL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
APRIL 20, 2011
Members Present: Alderpersons Balcerzak, Kassis, Darling, Bauknecht, Kapusta and Mayor
Brandt
Members Absent: None
Others Present:
Sarah Repp, Park, Recreation and Cemetery Supervisor; Dale Soumis,
Director of Administrative Services; Kaye Matucheski, Clerk/Treasurer; Jerry
Wilhelm, Inspector/Assessor; Jon Petroskey, Fire Chief; Pat Tincher and
David Schneider, Langlade Hospital; and Jaime Brown, Administrative
Clerical.
This meeting of the Finance, Personnel & Legislative Committee was called to order on the
above date at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Brandt served as
Chairperson and Jaime Brown recorded the minutes thereof.
1. Approval of Minutes from the March 16, 2011 Meeting
Kapusta moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the minutes from the March 16, 2011
meeting as previously distributed. Carried 6-0.
APPROVED
2. Address Change for 2317 Neva Road, Antigo
Jerry Wilhelm, Inspector/Assessor, provided a letter from the Antigo Police Department and
Antigo Fire Department both of which support the address change for 2317 Neva Road. Both
departments are concerned about the confusion with the property facing Highway 64 and the
ability to find the property in case of an emergency.
Mr. Wilhelm also provided a copy of a letter from the United States Post Office which listed
the new address as 408 State Highway 64 and noted that they will ensure delivery of the mail
to both addresses for one year.
Dr. Randy Krebs was unable to attend the meeting, but sent a letter to Mayor Brandt
regarding his concerns about the address change.
Dr. Krebs advised in his letter that he believes the City initially had an error in addressing the
commercial building at the northeast corner of Highways 64 and 45. While he agrees the
address change needs to take place, he does not think the City has considered the affects
this may have on the business owners.
Dr. Krebs believes the ramifications of this address change may go beyond new stationary,
stating that everything from taxes to insurance policies, licenses to suppliers are connected
to the initial address. He advised he is not content with the way the City is passing this off as
a business expense/responsibility. He further stated that it is really some what of an
unknown what the actual, true expense to this change will be considering the time of
everyone involved.
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Dr. Krebs would like to track the expenses over the next 18 months and would like the City to
take some of the responsibility in reimbursement for expenses.
Mayor Brandt indicated that Dr. Krebs would like to make his concerns known to the
committee, track his expenses, and return to the committee if his expenses are excessive.
Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services, advised that this does happen from time to
time; however, no one has ever been reimbursed.
Mr. Wilhelm advised that this was not an error on the City’s behalf. The address was initially
planned that way. Recently, there was a problem and the Police Department was called to
Purpose Financial and they had a hard time finding it because of the address, which led to
the suggestion of changing the address.
Kaye Matucheski, Clerk/Treasurer, advised that if Dr. Krebs feels there was an error, he
should possibly file a claim against the City, not just bring the issue before the committee.
INFORMATION ONLY
3. Request to Reconsider Pitbull Ordinance
HOLD IN COMMITTEE UNTIL CITY ATTORNEY HAS TIME TO REVIEW
4. Approval of Contract/Agreement for Dump Station Use
Sarah Repp, Park, Recreation and Cemetery Supervisor, provided a copy of the Agreement
for the dump station use that has been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Ms. Repp stated that Langlade County is putting together paperwork to submit to the State so
they can have a campground at the fairgrounds. To do so they have to have a place or an
option for campers to dump waste. Langlade County is requesting the agreement so they
can put it with the packets they are submitting to the State noting the agreement to utilize the
dump station.
Kassis moved, Kapusta seconded, to approve the Contract/Agreement for Dump Station Use
with Langlade County. Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
5. 2011 Fireworks
Ms. Repp provided a memo noting that the City of Antigo no longer has a volunteer crew to
assist with the Fourth of July Fireworks. In order to provide a show for the community the
option is to contract with a pyrotechnics crew. She is requesting $3,500 from the Hotel/Motel
Administrative Fund, which is consistent with prior years, to assist with funding the 2011
fireworks. The remaining $1,500 will come from the celebration fund and this amount is
budgeted. The total of the show is $5,000.
Upon inquiry by Alderperson Kassis, Ms. Repp advised the show should last approximately
22 to 25 minutes.
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Upon inquiry by Alderperson Balcerzak, Mayor Brandt indicated that the pyrotechnics
company purchases high volumes of fireworks; therefore they purchase them at a discounted
price.
Darling moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve $3,500 from the Hotel/Motel Administrative
Fund to assist with funding the 2011 fireworks with the remaining $1,500 to come from the
celebration fund. Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
6. Approval of New Utility Billing Statements
Kaye Matucheski, Clerk/Treasurer, provided a memo noting that the City is in the process of
migrating the Springbrook software to a newer version so the Clerk’s office has been
reviewing all of the checks, billing statements, etc. for any changes that may be needed. The
Clerk’s office will be changing to a long form for checks, at no additional cost as it is a
standard form. New check stock will be ordered which is something that needs to be done
anyway in order to add some security features to the checks.
Ms. Matucheski indicated that the current utility billing postcards are not a standard form for
Springbrook and there are additional costs at the time of migration and each year for
maintenance in order to be able to use the postcard. Springbrook has a standard form that is
an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper that would need to be stuffed in an envelope. There is an
additional cost for the supplies to print the bills and postage will be higher than a postcard.
However, there are more discounts available from the Post Office for the postage on an
envelope, there is a savings in not having to maintain a custom form, and more information
can be printed on the bill. Additionally, there has been an increase in complaints that people
are not getting their bills in the mail which could be due to the size of the postcard.
Ms. Matucheski indicated that after researching the cost associated with the 8 ½ x 11 utility
statements and the postcards that there will be an additional cost of approximately $500 per
month for the 8 ½ x 11 statement.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Brandt, Ms. Matucheski indicated that the stormwater, sewer, and
water utilities would share the cost.
Ms. Matucheski further advised that more information can be distributed within the envelope.
The City would also not have to pay for custom work and the Post Office and customers
would be happier with the proposed 8 ½ x 11 statements.
Alderperson Darling indicated that this would leave the Clerk’s office more flexibility as well.
Upon inquiry by Alderperson Kassis, Ms. Matucheski indicated that the City does not have
the technology or the staff to e-mail statements.
Ms. Matucheski also advised that she would like to utilize some of the $2,200 in the budget to
purchase a machine that would fold and stuff the envelopes and other departments would
have the ability to use the machine for other purposes.
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Upon inquiry by Alderperson Kapusta, Ms. Matucheski indicated that the Clerk’s office sends
approximately 4,140 bills per month.
Darling moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the 8 ½ x 11 utility billing statements and
purchase of the envelope folding and stuffing machine as recommended by Ms. Matucheski.
Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
7. Approval of Rate Increase for Ambulance Transports
Jon Petroskey, Fire Chief, provided a memo advising that the ambulance rates have not
been raised since 2006 causing the department to fall behind the state averages. With the
cost of living, supplies, operational costs, and fuel going up, rates need to be increased.
Chief Petroskey provided three options and in each option he increased the interfacility
transfer rate to the same as Rib Mountain Fire Department, who provides interfacility
transports from Langlade Hospital when Antigo Fire Department is unable to.
Chief Petroskey stated option one raises the current rates to the state average. This average
uses about 25% of the paramedic services throughout Wisconsin but is the only data that he
has. This data came from the Sheboygan Fire Department who sent an e-mail request to all
the fire departments in the state and this was the data they received.
Chief Petroskey further noted option two removes the resident rate which Medicare
recommends. By eliminating the resident rate they are following the federal
recommendation. Chief Petroskey is concerned with this as the residents pay taxes which
already help to pay for part of the ambulance service.
Chief Petroskey then noted option three raises all of the 911 rates 14% which would be the
largest gain in revenue between the three options, therefore making a direct impact on
reducing the tax dollars needed to support the ambulance service.
Chief Petroskey indicated that health care costs go up typically on an annual basis. The
ambulance service has a 67% collection rate on its bills, which is rather high. If the rates
increase, he is expecting the write-offs to increase as Medicare payments will not change.
Medicare patients account for approximately 60% of the total runs. The difference will be
seen in private pay and private insurance patients. He further indicated that option two and
three will have more write-offs.
Upon inquiry by Alderperson Balcerzak, Chief Petroskey indicated that he has spoken with
the townships and they agree to the increase.
Alderperson Kassis commented that he likes option one because it is more subtle. The
committee can review the rates annually. He feels that option two is not acceptable as there
should be a different charge for residents, who already support the department by paying
taxes, then for non-residents, who do not pay local property tax to help support the service.
He feels that option three is quite a step up and would rather see a subtle increase.
Upon inquiry by Ms. Matucheski, Mayor Brandt indicated that the additional revenue would
be used to offset operating costs.
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Dave Schneider, Langlade Hospital, advised that health care increases on an annual basis
and it is important that the City stays at the average rates, as this is a lower income area. He
advised that the City should be proud of its ambulance service noting that the City has made
an effort to keep costs down, but there reaches a point where you can only cut so much. The
hospital was approached to take over the service and at this time, does not feel that they are
able to do so. Mr. Schneider would like to see the ambulance service remain at the current
level. The hospital is more than willing to continue to work with the City and would look at
transfer costs to help the situation. The hospital typically raises their rates 5% per year
because of their increased costs. He further suggested looking at the new program in
Baraboo with paramedics in the field helping patients in the home.
Kassis moved, Darling seconded, to accept option one, raising the current rates to the state
average as proposed by Chief Petroskey. Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
8. Approval to Purchase Fire Equipment from CIP Fund
Chief Petroskey provided a memo advising that the fire department has budgeted $2,500 in
the CIP for assorted equipment for fire attack. He is requesting to purchase four fire nozzles,
gated Wye, high-rise hose pack and hose strap, which will not exceed $2,500.
Kassis moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the purchase of fire equipment as requested
by Chief Petroskey with funding to be derived from the CIP fund. Carried 6-0.
APPROVED
9. Approval to Purchase Replacement Computers for Fire Department Training Room
Chief Petroskey provided a memo indicating that as technology evolves the Fire Department
is required to do more reports on computers. The computers they currently have are
approximately five years old and have been updated as much as possible. A quote has been
received to replace all four computers in the training room for a total of $4,550. Chief
Petroskey advised that he has $5,000 budgeted in the ambulance CIP last year for this
update and would like to purchase these computers.
Balcerzak moved, Kapusta seconded, to approve the purchase of four replacement
computers for the Fire Department training room with funding to be derived from the CIP
fund. Carried 6-0.
APPROVED
10. Approval to Purchase MedVaults for Ambulances
Chief Petroskey provided a memo advising that the Fire Department continues to review
liabilities that they have in the department and feel the time has come to better protect
narcotic medications. He would like to purchase four MedVaults which will be installed in
each ambulance. There currently is one MedVault for all of the spare narcotics at the station
but the narcotics in the ambulances are left unprotected.
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Chief Petroskey is requesting the use of contingency funds from the ambulance account to
purchase these vaults. There is currently approximately $20,000 in this account and each
vault is $1,005 delivered to the station.
Balcerzak moved, Darling seconded, to approve the purchase of four MedVaults for the
ambulances with funding to be derived from the contingency funds from the ambulance
account. Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
11. Approval of Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Agreement with Rhinelander Fire
Department
Chief Petroskey provided a memo noting that Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) is a
statewide mutual aid agreement that the majority of Wisconsin municipalities have adopted.
A MABAS division gives legal authority to give and receive mutual aid to surrounding
departments. This gives the departments the ability to plan for larger incidents and still
provide coverage to the local area.
Chief Petroskey advised that his department has been requested to be on a MABAS request
with the City of Rhinelander Fire Department. This request is similar to the mutual aid
agreements that have been in place in previous years. This request is only for the aerial
truck and Antigo would be the seventh aerial truck on scene if requested, so this would have
to be a very large incident.
Upon inquiry by Alderperson Bauknecht, Chief Petroskey indicated that this agreement works
both ways and is reviewed every two or three years. This is also a request and is not
mandatory.
Kassis moved, Kapusta seconded, to approve the Mutual Aid Box System Agreement with
Rhinelander Fire Department. Carried 6-0.
RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL
12. Approval of Contract with the State of Wisconsin for Collapse Rescue Team
Chief Petroskey provided a memo advising that the City of Antigo Fire Department has been
part of the State of Wisconsin Collapse Rescue Team since its inception in 2004. The team
has been realigned several times and the latest is to combine the team into a one team
concept. Antigo has been offered five positions on this team excluding instructors. There are
three members of the fire department that are instructors of the state collapse team and he
has three others that would like to remain on the team.
Chief Petroskey indicated that this will provide our area six members that will have advanced
rescue training annually and with this contract, the State will pay the City $45 per hour while
the members are in training. The State will also reimburse any overtime if our members are
called to a state emergency.
Mayor Brandt indicated that Chief Petroskey is asking to have one-third of the staff as
collapse rescue. Both Mayor Brandt and City Attorney Michael Winter have questions
regarding this contract and have been unable to get in touch with the appropriate people.
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Mayor Brandt advised that he is unsure if the City should dedicate six people to the team to
which Chief Petroskey indicated he would like to have multiple people from each shift
available.
Ms. Matucheski also noted concerns with the contract, specifically section 3.6.
Chief Petroskey indicated that the orientation for the program is next week and there will not
be enough time to bring this back to the committee to which Mayor Brandt advised he has no
problem with them attending orientation. Chief Petroskey indicated that the City will be
reimbursed for the orientation.
HOLD IN COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW WITH CITY ATTORNEY
13. Any Other Matters
Ms. Matucheski indicated that there will be a state wide recount that will be conducted by
Langlade County, Ms. Matucheski will need to participate as well. The entire state will be
recounting at the same time, which means it may require hand counting.
Ms. Matucheski further indicated that there have been enough petitions signed for the recall
of Senator Holperin, which will result in another election. She is hoping that there will be
enough money in the election budget as the scheduled elections were small this year.
INFORMATION ONLY
14. Adjournment
Kapusta moved, Darling seconded, to adjourn at 7:14 p.m. Carried 6-0.
APPROVED
Mayor Bill Brandt, Chairperson
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Date